Natsuki in the waves

Gotta say that this was one of my favourite parts of the workshop I recently ran down in Kyushu: getting in the sea and getting wet to get some great shots.

Natsuki is a model that defies explanation. And I mean that in a good way. So much emotion, so much commitment, so much to give. Good collaboration raises each party to new heights. I feel this with these shots: Natsuki really helped me relax and get back in touch with the kind of 'art photography' I haven't really shot since leaving college in 1991.

I have had shots like this in my head since first falling in love with the album covers shot for the 4AD label back in the 1980s. It's made me so happy to get these frames.

I grew up near the sea. I love the sea. I miss shooting at the beach all the time. It was such a joy to find such great locations for this workshop and help people get the best from them. I look forward to doing it again soon.

This weekend was a big thing for me and actually I didn't really take that many pictures. The main thrill was helping other people get some great shots. But sometimes a teacher should inspire... especially when I was being so inspired by the model in front of my own camera.